Not so coy, Southland coyote sightings on the rise as bold animals look for food

A coyote in Griffith Park, the nation’s largest urban park, May 9, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

Mark Twain once described the coyote as, “a long, slim, sick and sorry-looking skeleton,” that is, “a living, breathing allegory of Want. He is always hungry.” It appears that Southern California coyotes are very, very hungry.

As sightings become increasingly frequent, animal-control officials are trying to help educate the public about what to do if they see a coyote.

Sightings have been reported in Glendale, Tustin, Fountain Valley, and an Irvine man said he was confronted by one at his front door. These primarily nocturnal animals are just looking for the three essentials: food, water, and shelter.

They are often attracted to pet food or garbage. Experts say that the recent hot weather can make a coyotes metabolism go up, so they need more food. While coyotes are naturally afraid of people, ways to scare them away include making yourself appear larger, making loud noises, yelling, and spraying water their way.

Have you noticed an increase in coyote sightings in your area?

Weigh In:

Have you seen a coyote recently? Do you think they coyote population needs to be controlled? Have you ever fed a coyote?